Recreational Marijuana Passes in Colorado, Washington

Tuesday’s election saw the passage of measures in both Colorado and Washington that will legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Though the use of medical marijuana is legal in many states, but this is the first time a measure for recreational use has passed in the United States.

Both laws will state that users must be over the age of 21 for it to be legal. In Colorado, they can possess up to one ounce of marijuana or have six plants for personal use. In Washington, production will be regulated, as will the possession and distribution of the plant. It will also be taxed at a 25% rate for each successive sale: grower to processor, processor to retailer, and retailer to customer. Figure analysts say it could bring the state up to $500 million in revenue.

Oregon also voted on a similar measure, but it did not pass. The question people are asking now is how the federal government will react to the new laws. The use of marijuana, in any context—medical or recreational—is illegal at the federal level, and the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration have declined comment when asked how they would respond to the measures if passed.

Colorado’s governor, John Hickenlooper, has warned citizens not to be too hasty, though. “This will be a complicated process,” he said, “but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don’t break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly.”